National Finance Officer

Position: Finance Officer – NATIONAL CONTRACT

Program: Strongim Bisnis

Location: Honiara, Solomon Islands with provincial travel

Duration: Full-time, fixed term

Line manager and Directly report to: Finance Manager

Works with: Operations, Program, MRM, and Communications teams.

Background

This is a national position and requires that candidates possess the right to work in the Solomon Islands.

Strongim Bisnis (SB) is an innovative pro-business program funded by the Australian Government. Strongim Bisnis supports Solomon Islands businesses to increase productivity, access greater income earning opportunities and higher value markets; with the intention of enabling greater resilience and creating jobs. Poverty reduction will be the desired result. Strongim Bisnis also supports the private sector and the Solomon Islands Government to work together effectively to increase opportunities for trade and investment and accelerate business growth. A key focus of the program ensures that Solomon Islands women, youth and people with disability have increased economic opportunities.

The program takes a market systems development (MSD) approach to unlocking opportunities for growth in selected sectors (cocoa, coconut, tourism, timber, horticulture, financial services, and waste management). MSD requires Strongim Bisnis to carefully select partnerships, and design interconnected activities that deliver tangible and measurable results. For each activity it must be possible to track progress from improving the performance of Solomon Islands enterprises, to achieving resilient systemic change in markets, and ultimately increasing income and employment. In this way, Strongim Bisnis avoids ad hoc activities and seeks deep engagement with market actors.

Position summary

The Finance Officer (FO) reports to the Finance Manager and supports the financial management of the Strongim Bisnis program with responsibilities ranging from processing accounts payable, petty cash, advances and acquittals, and tax payments.

Duties and responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities will be split between the Senior Finance and Operations Manager and the Finance Officer. The duties and responsibilities of the Finance Officer include but are not limited to:

• Ensure all payments are processed in accordance with SB, Adam Smith International and DFAT policies and procedures.

• Organise and maintain comprehensive program financial files and ensure that all records are compliant with legal and DFAT requirements.

• Prepare payments to suppliers and support approvals processes.  

• Manage petty cash and maintain a full and accurate filing system for receipts.

• Support the Finance Manager in managing tax processes and ensure tax payments and other contributions are remitted to the appropriate authorities in a timely manner.

• Manage the ASI bank account in Solomon Islands, including monitoring balances and verifying funds received etc.

• Submit cash advancement and acquittals of personnel and partners to the relevant approver.

• Other duties related to financial management as reasonably requested by the Team Leader, Finance Manager and/or ASI Program Manager.

Required qualifications, experience and attributes

All candidates must have the right to work in Solomon Islands.   

The ideal candidate will possess:

• A relevant university degree or diploma in accounting or finance with demonstrated experience in a similar role/s.

• More than three years’ experience in finance and accounting for businesses, government and/or donor-funded programs.

• Excellent organisational skills and competence/integrity in maintaining office records.

• Demonstrated capacity to work collegially with partner organisations and staff from a range of backgrounds.

• Demonstrated understanding of gender equality, youth empowerment, disability inclusion and safeguarding principles.

• Strong working knowledge of MS Office programs.

• Fluency in Pijin and an excellent command of both oral and written English.

The following skills/experience would be an advantage:

• Experience of the public sector in Solomon Islands.

• A Solomon Islands driving license.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted via the application link. Applications should include a one-page cover letter addressing the required qualifications, experience, and attributes, a CV of no more than four pages and the contact details of three professional referees.

Any questions should be sent to Operations@Strongimbisnis.sb.com Please use the following title: Finance Officer, Adam Smith International.

Deadline for applications is 17th February 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

This position will be recruited through Adam Smith International (ASI). ASI is committed to continually improving the diversity of our workforce through the attraction, retention, and development of a diverse range of talented people. Women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We want people to be comfortable bringing their whole self to work and recognise that inclusion brings further opportunities for innovation and creativity.